Sunday, October 16, 2016

Ep 35 - Song 4: "Minotaur" by Foxholes

"Formed in late August 2012, Foxholes is a musical collaboration between Trevor Holt, Jessica Villegas, Ben Barndollar, Kyle Folvag and Craig Bowers – five laser focused Iowans committed to creating music that moves the people of Des Moines, Iowa and beyond. Hack a band member’s phone (please don’t) and you’ll find influential indie rock playlists littered with Pixies, the Jesus and Mary Chain, Velvet Underground, The Replacements and the like.

"Foxholes’ fascination with guitars has always been clear, but that has never limited them. A professional passion for creative evolution and growth can be heard throughout the history of the band’s tracks. Listen and you’ll hear a group on a mission to bring you fresh tunes sweetened with the occasional keyboard, cello, mandolin and glockenspiel.

"While shows outside of Iowa are not uncommon for the band, the Des Moines music scene is near and dear to the hearts of Foxholes members. If making the best rock music out there is their number one priority, contributing to, promoting and supporting the musical talent of Iowa is a close second. A group of five friends, making and supporting music – that’s Foxholes."
- from their home page

"Now, Foxholes didn’t exactly come out of nowhere, but they are finally starting to get the attention they deserve. Foxholes is a band that has been making a lot of noise in Des Moines. Their quick and grimy rock has been bringing them attention and accolades for a little while now...

"The group describes itself on Facebook as what would result 'if Pixies and the Replacements had a baby, and then that baby was dropped on its head a bunch of times,' but those cheeky references sell it short. Foxholes’ listed influences are undeniable, but the band has the conviction, creativity, and chops to own its sound and never comes across as nostalgic for the heyday of 120 Minutes – although it might make listeners pine for the era."
- from a River City Reader article

"Foxholes has turned a decent little trick. The band is reminiscent of a lot of other acts without ever feeling wholly derivative. Kicking back and listening to 'Can’t Help Myself,' you’ll find yourself conjuring up images of The Replacements and Dinosaur Jr., and front man Trevor Holt’s smoky voice occupies a space between Iggy Pop and The Strokes’ Julian Casablancas, but the end result is pure Des Moines pop/rock. For a band that’s less than 2 years old, the group has a remarkable level of confidence in what Foxholes is.
- from a Cityview review by Chad Taylor